Tama County Auxiliary Units host summer picnic at IVH

August 8, 2014

The seven American Legion Auxiliary Units of Tama County made up of Clutier, Elberon, Garwin, Gladbrook, Tama Toledo and Traer hosted their traditional and annual summer picnic at noon in the Malloy Room at the Iowa Veterans Home on Saturday, August 2. A menu of fried chicken, meat balls, cheesy potatoes, potato salad, pasta salad, fresh fruit bowl, sliced tomatoes, deviled eggs and rolls welcomed the residents topped by homemade pies. Over 105 residents, and 40 volunteers and members enjoyed the good food with comments of ‘this is the best meal I’ve had in 3 years’ or these are the best meatballs I have ever had’ brought smiles to our faces. Those from Gladbrook helping were Karen Pieper, Jeanne Paustian, Marilyn Carstensen, Louise Ulch, Eleonor Lott and Jolene Denbow. From some old records, it was noted that this project started before 1977 when 40 residents were bused to the Union Grove Youth Center for a noon meal of ham loaf, scalloped potatoes and hotdogs, salads and cake furnished by the Units. Bingo was played for entertainment. The Legion Posts soon were helping by furnishing ‘dimes’ for bingo prizes. In 1987, due to the summer heat, the IVH suggested we host the picnic in the Leisure Center (Malloy) with air-conditioning and set the date for the first Saturday of August each year. We used 8# of ground meat for meatballs with the IVH furnishing the drinks and escorts. Band music was provided for entertainment. The Units continued to donate 1 fried chicken and 1 pie, salads and potatoes. Over the years, the program has grown to serving more residents, using 20# hamburger for meatballs and each Unit furnishing 20-30 pieces of chicken and 2 pies. This has proven to be a welcome program of a home-cooked meal and Community Service for our Veterans who reside at the IVH. Our Auxiliary theme this year is “Heart and Hands for Veterans’ and this is just one way the American Legion Auxiliary of Tama County can show our appreciation for their service!